Grape expectations

Now even the gritty remnants of the winemaking process are being hailed for health benefits.

A recent study from Cornell University found that the seeds and skins cast off from red wine grapes contain large concentrations of chemicals believed to prevent bacteria from attacking our teeth.

Already, grapes, grape juice and wine… in moderation… are touted for their ability to prime the cardiovascular system and protect brain cells.

The suspected source of the health benefits are polyphenols… chemical substances found in plants that may have antioxidant characteristics.

It turns out that winemaking residue, known as pomace [PUH-mus], contains at least as many polyphenols [polly-FEE-nahls] as whole red grapes, leading scientists to believe that drugs could potentially be made from the waste.

Researchers tested their theory by analyzing how polyphenols extracted from pomace fared against S. mutans [ess MEW-tans], a bacterium found whenever there is tooth decay.